Congressman Henry Cuellar of Texas was carjacked at gunpoint on Monday, October 25th near his residence in the Navy Yard area of Washington, D.C. This brazen act of violence occurred just blocks from the U.S. Capitol, which brought attention to the alarming increase of carjackings in the nation’s capital.
According to sources, three to four men held guns to Cuellar’s head and forcefully took his car and phone. A security alert was immediately sent out to members of Congress following the incident. Cuellar’s chief of staff, Jacob Hochberg, confirmed the carjacking in a statement to ABC News late Monday night.
“Congressman Cuellar was parking his car this evening when he was approached by three armed assailants who stole his vehicle. Thankfully, he was not harmed and is cooperating with local law enforcement. We would like to thank the Metropolitan Police Department and Capitol Police for their swift action and for successfully recovering the Congressman’s vehicle,” said Hochberg.
The incident occurred in the Navy Yard neighborhood, which has seen a significant increase in crime rates in recent years. As of Sunday, there have been 750 reported carjackings in Washington, 75% of which involved the use of guns, according to D.C. Police. This alarming statistic has sparked concern among residents and lawmakers, including Congressman Cuellar himself.
In response to the increasing crime rates, the Metropolitan Police Department has stepped up patrols and implemented other measures to decrease carjackings. However, this has not been effective in preventing such incidences from occurring. In addition to carjackings, other crimes, such as robberies and shootings, have also been on the rise in the area.
The carjacking of Congressman Cuellar has brought heightened attention to the issue of carjackings in Washington, D.C. The brazen nature of the attack has raised concerns for the safety and security of residents and officials in the nation’s capital. The incident also highlights the need for more effective measures to combat carjackings and other crimes in the area.
“If a Member of Congress is not safe on the streets of the nation’s capital, who is?”
KARINE JEAN-PIERRE: *blames Republicans for Biden’s failure* pic.twitter.com/t8FzWAFjd5
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 3, 2023
The identity of the victim was not confirmed by the Metropolitan Police Department, but sources have identified him as Congressman Cuellar. The details of the incident have been shared with the public in order to caution residents and officials of the potential danger in the area.
As for Congressman Cuellar, he is unharmed and cooperating with authorities. The recovery of his vehicle is a small consolation in the face of this terrifying ordeal. The incident serves as a reminder that anyone can fall victim to crime, no matter their social status or position.
The carjacking of Congressman Cuellar is a shocking reminder of the increasing crime rates in Washington, D.C. and the urgent need for more effective measures to combat them. The safety of residents and officials must be a top priority, and action must be taken to address the issue before it escalates further. As for Congressman Cuellar, he has escaped the ordeal physically unharmed, but the traumatic experience will likely stay with him for a long time to come.
